to a battle, which he ardently desired, and which the other with equal industry declined.  Thus both sides continued for some time employed in designs and stratagems, the one to annoy and the other to defend. 15.  Caesar’s men daily carried on their works to straiten the enemy; those of Pompey, having the advantage of numbers, did the same to enlarge themselves, and severely galled the enemy by their slingers and archers. 16.  Caesar, however, was indefatigable; he caused blinds or mantalets to be made of the skins of beasts, to cover his men while at work; he cut off all the water that supplied the enemy’s camp, and the forage from the horses, so that there remained no more subsistence for them. 17.  But Pompey at last resolved to break through his lines, and gain some other part of the country more convenient for encampment.  Accordingly, having informed himself of the condition of Caesar’s fortifications from some deserters who came over to him, he ordered the light infantry and archers on board his ships to attack Caesar’s entrenchments by sea, where they were least defended. 18.  This was done with such effect, that though Caesar and his officers used their utmost endeavours to hinder Pompey’s designs, yet by means of reiterated attempts, he at last effected his purpose of extricating his army from its present camp, and of encamping in another place by the sea, where he had the convenience both of forage and shipping. 19.  Caesar being thus frustrated in his views of blocking up the enemy, and perceiving the loss he had sustained, resolved at last to force Pompey to a battle, though upon disadvantageous terms. 20.  The engagement began by attempting to cut off a legion which was posted in a wood; and this brought on a general battle.  The conflict was for some time carried on with great ardour, and with equal fortune; but Caesar’s army being entangled in the entrenchments of the old camps lately abandoned, began to fall into disorder; upon which Pompey pressing his advantage, they at last fled with precipitation.  Great numbers perished in the trenches and on the banks of the river, or were pressed to death by their fellows. 21.  Pompey pursued his success to the very camp of Caesar; but either from surprise, under the suddenness of his victory, or fearful of an ambuscade, he with drew his troops into his own camp, and thus lost an opportunity of completing his victory.

22.  After this defeat, which was by no means decisive, Caesar marched, with all his forces united in one body, directly to Gom’phi, a town in the province of Thes’saly.  But the news of his defeat at Dyr’rachium had reached this place before him; the inhabitants, therefore, who had before promised him obedience, now changed their minds, and, with a degree of baseness equal to their imprudence, shut their gates against him. 23.  Caesar was not to be injured with impunity.  Having represented to his soldiers the great advantage of forcing a place so very rich, he ordered the scaling ladders to be